We often get calls and questions from patients — particularly during allergy season — about how to know whether their runny nose, nasal drainage, congestion, sneezing, and cough are symptoms of a cold or allergies. It’s a fair question because the symptoms are similar, but the cause is not. So how do you know?

Cold

A cold is caused by a virus that affects the upper respiratory tract (primarily the nose). Colds are “caught” from coming in contact with the virus from another person. People with a cold are more likely to have general aches/pain and low-grade fever than patients with allergies. Nasal drainage is usually thick and yellow/green. Symptoms usually last for a week or two and treatment includes pain relievers such as Tylenol, nasal decongestants, expectorants (loosens mucus) and cough suppressants.

Allergies

Allergies are an abnormal immune response in the body to an environmental substance. The substance can be inhaled, ingested or come into contact with the skin. The body is too hypersensitive to these substances.

Nasal allergies, particularly common in the Spring, are caused by an allergic reaction to specific allergens, including pollen, dust, mold or pet dander. During an allergic response, your body’s immune system overreacts to the presence of one of these allergens and attacks your body by releasing histamine, which leads to swelling and inflammation. That’s why the symptoms of allergies are similar to those of a cold.

Cold vs. Allergies

If you are experiencing some or most of the allergy symptoms shown above, call our office at 541-808-3860 to schedule an appointment for allergy testing and treatment.